Vehicle comprising energy harvesting suspension system, and method for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy

ABSTRACT

A vehicle incorporates a gravity-assist energy harvesting suspension system including one or more gravitational positive displacement pumps. The positive displacement pump has a cylinder and a reciprocating piston inside the cylinder. The piston is adapted for movement along a compression stroke and an opposite extension stroke in response to a gravitational bounce of the vehicle when in motion. A turbine comprising a rotor shaft and attached blades is mounted relative to a distal end of a fluid outlet hose connected to the pump. Fluid discharged through the outlet hose acts on the blades, thereby moving and imparting rotational energy to the rotor shaft. A generator is operatively connected to the turbine, and is adapted for converting the rotational energy generated by the rotor shaft to electrical energy.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates broadly and generally to a vehiclecomprising a gravity-assist energy harvesting suspension system, andmethod for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.

In one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure allows the constantgravitational effect on a vehicle in motion to be converted viamechanical means in to electrical energy. The power output depends onthe weight of the vehicle (mass) and the speed at which the vehicle ismoving—following the mathematical principle Energy=Mass*Speed{circumflexover ( )}2. The closed-loop nature of the exemplary system, includingall available pumps (for each wheel), allows for the entire mass of thevehicle to be used for power generation; as opposed to having fourseparate closed systems (one for each wheel), which would only benefitfrom the weight in a single designated corner of the vehicle. There areno emissions, no pollutants, and no external fuel source needed toproduce the electrical power.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are describedbelow. Use of the term “exemplary” means illustrative or by way ofexample only, and any reference herein to “the invention” is notintended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or stepsof any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the presentspecification. References to “exemplary embodiment,” “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate thatthe embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodimentnecessarily includes the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,”or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment, although they may.

It is also noted that terms like “preferably”, “commonly”, and“typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimedinvention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, oreven important to the structure or function of the claimed invention.Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative oradditional features that may or may not be utilized in a particularembodiment of the present invention.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprisesa vehicle having a plurality of wheels, a frame carried on the wheels,and a suspension system operatively connecting the frame to the wheels.A gravitational positive displacement pump is operatively mountedbetween the wheels and the frame, and comprises a cylinder and areciprocating piston inside the cylinder. The piston is adapted for(linear) movement along a compression stroke and an extension stroke inresponse to a gravitational bounce of the vehicle when in motion. Afluid inlet hose is connected to an onboard fluid source and to thedisplacement pump. The inlet hose is adapted for drawing fluid into thecylinder as the piston travels along its extension stroke. A fluidoutlet hose is connected to the displacement pump, and has a distal endadapted for discharging fluid from the cylinder as the piston travelsalong its compression stroke. A turbine comprising a rotor shaft andattached blades is mounted relative to the distal end of the fluidoutlet hose. Fluid discharged through the outlet hose acts on theblades, thereby moving and imparting rotational energy to the rotorshaft. A generator is operatively connected to the turbine, and isadapted for converting the rotational energy generated by the rotorshaft to electrical energy. A battery is operatively connected to thegenerator, and is adapted for storing the electrical energy produced bythe generator to power electrical components (e.g., electricalsubsystems, electric motors) of the vehicle.

The term “vehicle” refers broadly herein to any personal, passenger,recreational, commercial, or industrial land or water vehicle. The term“suspension system” refers to any one or more of the vehicle tires, tireair, springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects the vehicle toits wheels and allows relative motion between the two. The term “fluidinlet hose” refers to any single continuous hose, or a plurality ofindividual but directly connected hoses, or a combination of directlyconnected hoses and indirectly connected hoses (meaning “influid-communication”) which function to enable transfer of fluid from afluid source to the positive displacement pump. Likewise, term “fluidoutlet hose” refers to any single continuous hose, or a plurality ofindividual but directly connected hoses, or a combination of directlyconnected hoses and indirectly connected hoses (meaning “influid-communication”) which function to enable transfer of fluid fromthe positive displacement pump to the turbine.

According to another exemplary embodiment, an electric motor isoperatively connected to the battery, and is adapted for propelling thevehicle.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the positive displacementpump is substantially vertically-disposed between the wheels and theframe.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the fluid outlet hosecomprises a nozzle for accelerating fluid discharged through its distalend.

According to another exemplary embodiment, respective flow controlvalves communicate with the fluid inlet and fluid outlet hoses.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the vehicle comprises aplurality of gravitational positive displacement pumps, wherein a singlepump is located adjacent each wheel of the vehicle.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the suspension systemcomprises a coil spring formed adjacent the gravitational positivedisplacement pump at each wheel of the vehicle.

According to another exemplary embodiment, at least one hydraulicaccumulator is located between the proximal and distal ends of the fluidoutlet hose.

According to another exemplary embodiment, first and second hydraulicaccumulators are located between the proximal and distal ends of thefluid outlet hose.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a fluid control manifoldcommunicates with the fluid outlet hose, and is adapted for selectivelydirecting fluid to one of the first and second hydraulic accumulators.

According to another exemplary embodiment, an electrochemical capacitoris located between the generator and the battery.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the electrochemical capacitorcomprises an ultracapacitor (or “supercapacitor”).

According to another exemplary embodiment, the onboard fluid sourcecomprises a fluid collection reservoir located beneath the generator.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the fluid collectionreservoir comprises a baffle assembly adapted for limiting fluid sloshwhen the vehicle is in motion.

In another exemplary embodiment, the disclosure comprises a vehicleincorporating a gravitational positive displacement pump. The positivedisplacement pump comprise a cylinder and a reciprocating piston insidethe cylinder. The piston is adapted for (linear) movement along acompression stroke and an opposite extension stroke in response to agravitational bounce of the vehicle when in motion. A fluid inlet hoseis connected to an onboard fluid source and to the displacement pump.The inlet hose is adapted for drawing fluid into the cylinder as thepiston travels along its extension stroke. A fluid outlet hose isconnected to the displacement pump, and has a distal end adapted fordischarging fluid from the cylinder as the piston travels along itscompression stroke. A turbine comprising a rotor shaft and attachedblades is mounted relative to the distal end of the fluid outlet hose.Fluid discharged through the outlet hose acts on the blades, therebymoving and imparting rotational energy to the rotor shaft. A generatoris operatively connected to the turbine, and is adapted for convertingthe rotational energy generated by the rotor shaft to electrical energy.A battery is operatively connected to the generator, and is adapted forstoring the electrical energy produced by the generator to powerelectrical components of the vehicle.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises amethod for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy for avehicle. The method includes installing a gravitational positivedisplacement pump in the vehicle. The positive displacement pumpcomprises a fluid cylinder and a reciprocating piston inside thecylinder. The piston is adapted for (linear) movement along acompression stroke and an opposite extension stroke in response to agravitational bounce of the vehicle when in motion. Fluid is drawn intothe cylinder of the displacement pump through a fluid inlet hose as thepiston travels along its extension stroke. Fluid is discharged from thecylinder through a fluid outlet hose as the piston travels along itscompression stroke. A turbine is mounted relative to a distal end of thefluid outlet hose, such that fluid discharged through the outlet hoseimparts rotational energy to the turbine. A generator is operativelyconnected to the turbine to convert the rotational energy generated bythe turbine to electrical energy. The electrical energy produced by thegenerator is then stored in a battery to power electrical components ofthe vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the following drawing figures, whereinlike numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of an exemplary vehicle incorporatingthe present energy harvesting suspension system of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top plan schematic view of the exemplary vehicleincorporating the present energy harvesting suspension system;

FIG. 3 is a further schematic view illustrating operation of thehydraulic accumulators;

FIG. 4 is a further schematic view illustrating components of the fluidcircuit in the present energy harvesting suspension system; and

FIG. 5 is a further schematic view illustrating operation of thehydroturbine and generator designed for charging a bank of vehiclebatteries to power the vehicle's electric motor.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE

The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodimentsof the invention are shown. Like numbers used herein refer to likeelements throughout. This invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be operative, enabling, and complete.Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to beillustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention,which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any andall equivalents thereof. Moreover, many embodiments, such asadaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements,will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein andfall within the scope of the present invention.

Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unlessotherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be giventheir broad ordinary and customary meaning not inconsistent with thatapplicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to anyspecific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article“a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item isintended, the term “one”, “single”, or similar language is used. Whenused herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least oneof the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list.

For exemplary methods or processes of the invention, the sequence and/orarrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and notrestrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although stepsof various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in asequence or temporal arrangement, the steps of any such processes ormethods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequenceor arrangement, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and arrangements while still falling within thescope of the present invention.

Additionally, any references to advantages, benefits, unexpectedresults, or operability of the present invention are not intended as anaffirmation that the invention has been previously reduced to practiceor that any testing has been performed. Likewise, unless statedotherwise, use of verbs in the past tense (present perfect or preterit)is not intended to indicate or imply that the invention has beenpreviously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a vehicle comprising anenergy harvesting suspension system according to one exemplaryembodiment is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at broadreference numeral 10. The present vehicle 10 incorporates conventionalfeatures, such as wheels 11 and tires 12, a frame assembly 14 (e.g.,chassis) carried on the wheels 11, a driver seat 15, and steering wheel16. The exemplary suspension system operatively connects the frameassembly 14 to the wheels 11, and comprises four gravitational positivedisplacement pumps 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D—one pump for each of the fourvehicle wheels 11 (See FIG. 2). As described further below, the positivedisplacement pumps 20A-20D cooperate to move fluid (e.g, water) used todrive a hydroturbine 22. The exemplary turbine 22 may comprise Pelton orTurgo style wheel, both generally known and understood in the art. Thecomponents and operation of a single positive displacement pump20A—referred to generically as pump 20—is described below, it beingunderstood that the remaining three pumps 20B-20D comprise identicalcomponents and operate in an identical manner.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the exemplary positive displacement pump20 comprises a fluid cylinder 24, a reciprocating piston 25 (FIG. 4)inside the cylinder 24, and an elongated piston stem 26 surrounded by aheavy metal spring 28. The fluid cylinder 24 communicates with a fluidsupply reservoir 30 and discharge manifold 32 through an assembly ofinlet hoses 34, outlet hoses 35, and check valves 36. The piston 25 isdesigned to travel up and down inside the cylinder 24 along acompression stroke and an opposite extension stroke in response to agravitational “bounce” of the vehicle 10 when in motion. During theextension stroke, fluid is suctioned from the fluid supply reservoir 30through the inlet hose 34 and check valves 36, and into a sealed fluidcavity 38 (FIG. 4) of the cylinder 24. As the vehicle 10 bounces onspring 28 and the adjacent tire 12, the piston's compression strokecollapses the fluid cavity 38 inside cylinder 24 causing the fluid todischarge through the outlet hose 35 and check valves 36, and into thedischarge manifold 32. The simple harmonic motion or oscillation of themoving vehicle 10 up and down on the spring 28 causes repeatedgravity-induced actuation of the piston 25 inside the fluid cylinder 24.In the exemplary embodiment, all four of the positive displacement pumps20A-20D operate simultaneously adjacent respective wheels 11 of thevehicle 10 to transfer fluid from the fluid reservoir 30 to thedischarge manifold 32. If desired, the vehicle bounce may be dampened byadding various hydraulic gates, valves, and other fluids (e.g., gases)to each displacement pump 20A-20D, such that the pumps function muchlike that of conventional shock absorbers.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, from the discharge manifold 32 fluid ismoved through outlet hoses 35, electronic flow-control valves 39A, 39B,and into a selected one of two standard hydraulic accumulators 40A, 40B.Each accumulator 40A, 40B has an internal flexible fluid bladder 41, anda preset degree of internal air pressure which functions to push againstthe bladder 41. The flow-control valves 39A, 39B operate to control theswitching necessary to feed one accumulator 40A, 40B versus the other.Once a maximum amount of fluid has been pumped into the firstaccumulator 40A, the intake valve 39A will close off any additional flowand the output valve 39B will open, thereby allowing the pressurizedfluid to be pushed out from a distal end of the outlet hose 35 andsprayed onto blades 22A of turbine 22. A nozzle 42 may be attached tothe outlet hose 35 to accelerate the discharge of fluid. As the firstaccumulator 40A is emptying and spraying the turbine 22, the flow valves39A, 39B of the second accumulator 40B are opposite, meaning the flowthat was feeding the first accumulator 40A will now be feeding thesecond accumulator 40B as the first is spraying. When the secondaccumulator 40B is full and the first accumulator 40A is empty, the flowvalves 39A, 39B switch again—back and forth. This allows one accumulator40A, 40B to be constantly spraying, while the other is filling, therebycreating a constant stream of pressurized fluid capable of rotating theturbine 22 without interruption. Spent fluid used to drive the turbine22 passes back into the fluid reservoir 30 (arranged beneath the turbine22) and is recycled in a circuit through the process described above.The exemplary reservoir 30 may comprise a baffle assembly 44 to limitsloshing when the vehicle is in motion.

As best illustrated in FIG. 5, as pressurized fluid is sprayed acrossthe blades 22A of the turbine 22, actuation of rotor shaft 22B acts uponan electric generator 51 (e.g., alternator) to create an electriccurrent sufficient to charge a bank of onboard vehicle batteries 52.Because the electrical power output of the generator 51 will varydepending on the available fluid flow, one or more ultracapacitors 54and current controller 55 may be added between the generator 51 andbatteries 52. Adding ultracapacitors 54 may overcome the need for aconstant high spinning rate of the generator 51. Ultracapacitors 54 areable to collect and accumulate varying and low level power outputs, andthen turn around and discharge at any desired output. Meaning, theultracapacitor can collect a “trickle charge” varying around 1V-10V.Once the capacitor 54 has absorbed as much electrical energy aspossible, it can then discharge its entire capacity via currentcontroller 55 at any voltage rate desired in a quick burst. This enablesthe generator 51 to provide low voltage output, while still allowing thebatteries 52 to be charged at the higher voltage necessary. The chargedbatteries 52 may then be used to power the vehicle's electric drivemotor 56, electrical subsystems, and/or other onboard electricaldevices.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, the present energy harvestingsystem may be incorporated in any other land vehicle, such as freightand passenger trains, motorcycles, dirt bikes, motorized scooters,two-wheeled motorized personal vehicles, golf carts, and any other suchvehicles comprising passive, active, semi-active, dependant,independent, or semi-independent suspension systems. Additionally, theexemplary energy harvesting systems may be incorporated in any type andstyle of water craft.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it isnoted that the use of relative terms, such as “substantially”,“generally”, “approximately”, and the like, are utilized herein torepresent an inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed toany quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or otherrepresentation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent thedegree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a statedreference without resulting in a change in the basic function of thesubject matter at issue.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described above. Noelement, act, or instruction used in this description should beconstrued as important, necessary, critical, or essential to theinvention unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few ofthe exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, thoseskilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications arepossible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly,all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofthis invention as defined in the appended claims.

In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover thestructures described herein as performing the recited function and notonly structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus,although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that anail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together,whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment offastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.Unless the exact language “means for” (performing a particular functionor step) is recited in the claims, a construction under 35 U.S.C. §112(f) [or 6th paragraph/pre-AIA] is not intended. Additionally, it isnot intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the presentinvention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found hereinthat does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

What is claimed:
 1. A vehicle, comprising: a plurality of wheels; aframe carried on said wheels; a suspension system operatively connectingsaid frame to said wheels; a gravitational positive displacement pumpoperatively mounted between said wheels and said frame, and adapted foroperational movement in response to a gravitational bounce of thevehicle when in motion; an onboard fluid source; a fluid inlet hoseconnected to said fluid source and said displacement pump; a fluidoutlet hose having a proximal end connected to said displacement pump,and a distal end adapted for discharging fluid from said displacementpump; at least one hydraulic accumulator located between the proximaland distal ends of said fluid outlet hose; a fluid control manifoldcommunicating with said fluid outlet hose, and adapted for selectivelydirecting fluid to said hydraulic accumulator; a turbine comprising arotor shaft and attached blades, said turbine mounted relative to thedistal end of said fluid outlet hose such that fluid discharged throughsaid outlet hose acts on said blades thereby moving and impartingrotational energy to the rotor shaft; a generator operatively connectedto said turbine, and adapted for converting the rotational energygenerated by said rotor shaft to electrical energy; and a batteryoperatively connected to said generator, and adapted for storing theelectrical energy produced by said generator.
 2. The vehicle accordingto claim 1, and comprising an electric motor operatively connected tosaid battery, and adapted for propelling said vehicle.
 3. The vehicleaccording to claim 1, wherein said positive displacement pump issubstantially vertically-disposed between said wheels and said frame. 4.The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said fluid outlet hosecomprises a nozzle for accelerating fluid discharged through its distalend.
 5. The vehicle according to claim 1, and comprising respective flowcontrol valves communicating with said fluid inlet and fluid outlethoses.
 6. The vehicle according to claim 1, and comprising a pluralityof gravitational positive displacement pumps, wherein a single pump islocated adjacent each wheel of said vehicle.
 7. The vehicle according toclaim 6, wherein said suspension system comprises a coil spring formedadjacent said gravitational positive displacement pump at each wheel ofsaid vehicle.
 8. The vehicle according to claim 1, and comprising anelectrochemical capacitor located between said generator and saidbattery.
 9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein saidelectrochemical capacitor comprises an ultracapacitor.
 10. The vehicleaccording to claim 1, wherein said onboard fluid source comprises afluid collection reservoir located beneath said generator.
 11. Thevehicle according to claim 10, wherein said fluid collection reservoircomprises a baffle assembly adapted for limiting fluid slosh when saidvehicle is in motion.
 12. A method for converting mechanical energy intoelectrical energy, comprising: installing a gravitational positivedisplacement pump in a vehicle, the displacement pump adapted formovement in response to a gravitational bounce of the vehicle when inmotion; upon gravitational bounce of the vehicle, drawing fluid into thedisplacement pump through a fluid inlet hose; discharging fluid from thedisplacement pump through a fluid outlet hose; locating at least onehydraulic accumulator between proximal and distal ends of the fluidoutlet hose; selectively directing fluid to the hydraulic accumulator;mounting a turbine relative to the distal end of the fluid outlet hose,such that fluid discharged through the outlet hose imparts rotationalenergy to the turbine; operatively connecting a generator to the turbineto convert the rotational energy generated by the turbine to electricalenergy; and storing the electrical energy produced by the generator in abattery.